The Outsiders · Nation to Glory
Take Ireland to Glory
“put-em-under-pressure merchants”
The press pack calls Ireland the away end will outnumber yours, and files them as put-em-under-pressure merchants. The bookmakers put them in the outsiders at 250/1 – 500/1.
▶ Play as Ireland
- The bookmakers
- The Outsiders — 250/1 – 500/1
- The federation's target
- Get out of the group
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Packie Bonner, but he saves the second one too. At the back, Paul McGrath, but with fresh knees. Running midfield, Roy Keane, but relaxed about the facilities. Up front, Robbie Keane, cartwheel included.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Ireland can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Ireland
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting